The Colorectal Cancer Alliance’s philanthropic research fund, Project Cure CRC, has announced another awardee. Peter P. Lee, MD, of City of Hope, will receive $1 million over two years.

Lee, chair of the Department of Immuno-Oncology at Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, will accelerate science to end colorectal cancer by investigating a novel combination immunotherapy to treat metastatic MSS (microsatellite stable) colorectal cancer (CRC), which does not respond well to current treatments, including immunotherapy.

With this funding, Lee could create an effective and less toxic treatment for metastatic MSS CRC, potentially improving survival rates and rapidly translating these findings into clinical trials and new combination therapies for patients.

The Alliance’s Project Cure CRC seeks to create major breakthroughs in colorectal cancer diagnosis, treatment, metastasis, and survivorship, with a goal to award $100 million to accelerate urgent research leading to cures.

“We are in a race against time to help the millions of Americans and their families affected by colorectal cancer,” says Michael Sapienza, CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. “We congratulate Peter Lee and look forward to his progress.”

Colorectal cancer is the nation’s second deadliest cancer, and the disease is on the rise in younger people. However, it remains less known and less funded than other cancers. This year, more than 150,000 people are expected to be diagnosed with the disease, and more than 50,000 could die. 

The Alliance, the largest organization dedicated to ending colorectal cancer, invites the public, corporations, foundations, and philanthropic individuals to join our mission by contributing to Project Cure CRC. In addition, the Alliance seeks new ideas for mCRC research, with special attention given to immunotherapy-based studies and research focused on BRCA1, BRAF, TP53, TME, and associated pathway genes. 

For more information on Project Cure CRC, to donate, or to learn more about submitting a research proposal, please visit colorectalcancer.org/research/research-investments/project-cure-crc.